Toy controller

ABSTRACT

A toy controller is provided that includes a housing and a base supported by the housing. The base is rotatable relative to the housing and supports a plurality of rotating platforms. A pull handle can be used to rotate the base. A trigger can be used to control rotation of the platforms.

BACKGROUND Field

This invention relates to toys, and more particularly, relates to a controller that includes a rotatable base have a plurality of platforms that can be selectively rotated relative to the base.

Description of the Related Art

Some toys are action figures. Action figures can represent a person or fictional character. Some action figures have jointed limbs. A user can often hand manipulate or play with the action figure by moving the jointed limbs. Some action figures can be controlled remotely by use of a controller.

SUMMARY

An aspect of the invention is directed to a toy controller. The toy controller comprises a housing, a base supported by the housing and being configured to rotate relative to the housing between at least a first position and a second position, a plurality of platforms supported by the base, each platform being configured to spin relative to the base, a pull handle movable relative to the housing and configured to control rotation of the base between at least the first position and the second position, and a trigger supported by the housing and configured to activate rotation of at least one platform of the plurality of platforms.

Additional aspects further comprise a handgrip coupled to the base and supporting the trigger.

Additional aspects further comprise a connector coupled to the base and configured to engage with a playing surface.

Additional aspects further comprise wherein the pull handle comprises one or more teeth, the one or more teeth being configured to drive rotation of the base.

Additional aspects further comprise wherein the plurality of platforms comprises two platforms.

Additional aspects further comprise wherein the plurality of platforms comprises three platforms.

Additional aspects further comprise wherein the trigger is configured to activate rotation of the at least one platform when the at least one platform is in a specific circumferential location relative to the housing.

Additional aspects further comprise wherein the trigger is configured to individually activate rotation of each platform of the plurality of platforms when each platform is in the specific circumferential location relative to the housing.

Additional aspects further comprise a clutch configured to only allow rotation of the base in one direction relative to the housing.

Additional aspects further comprise a spring arm coupled to a locking pin for selectively engaging the locking pin with the base.

Additional aspects further comprise a guide pin and a track, wherein the track comprises one or more ramps/lips configured to bias the guide pin so that the guide pin follows the track in only one direction.

An aspect of the invention is directed to a toy controller. The toy controller comprises a housing and a base configured to rotate relative to the housing and supporting a plurality of platforms, each platform of the plurality if platforms being configured to spin relative to the base.

Additional aspects further comprise a pull handle movable relative to the housing and configured to control rotation of the base.

Additional aspects further comprise a trigger supported by the housing and configured to activate rotation of at least one platform of the plurality of platforms relative to the base.

Additional aspects further comprise wherein each platform of the plurality if platforms is configured to spin relative to the base only when each platform is in a specific circumferential location relative to the housing.

Additional aspects further comprise wherein the plurality of platforms comprises three platforms.

Additional aspects further comprise a clutch configured to only allow rotation of the base in one direction relative to the housing.

Additional aspects further comprise a spring arm coupled to a locking pin for selectively engaging the locking pin with the base.

Additional aspects further comprise a guide pin and a track, wherein the track comprises one or more ramps/lips configured to bias the guide pin so that the guide pin follows the track in only one direction.

An aspect of the invention is directed to a method for operating a toy controller to selectively position and rotate each platform of a plurality of platforms. The method comprises activating a trigger supported by a housing to spin a first platform of the plurality of platforms relative to a base, the first platform being disposed in a specific circumferential location relative to the housing, activating a pull handle to rotate the base relative to the housing so that a second platform of the plurality of platforms is moved to the specific circumferential location, and activating the trigger to spin the second platform of the plurality of platforms relative to the base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only several embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and are not to be considered limiting of its scope, the disclosure will now be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a controller that includes a rotatable base having a plurality of platforms for selectively spinning a plurality of action figures according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the controller from FIG. 1 and shows a slidable connector extending though a housing of the controller for coupling to a playing surface.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the controller from FIG. 1 and shows a pull handle for selectively rotating the base relative to the housing.

FIG. 4 is a cross-section view taken along lines 4-4 in FIG. 3 .

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the controller from FIG. 1 with a top of the housing removed to show a slide coupled by a trigger of a handgrip for the user to activate one of the plurality of platforms on the base to spin about an axis of the platform.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the controller from FIG. 1 with an outer shell of the base removed to show a plurality of spokes for selectively coupling one of the plurality of platforms to the slide.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the controller from FIG. 1 showing sub components within the housing.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a guide pin at a first position on a track that causes a locking pin to transition from being engaged to being disengaged from a clutch.

FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the guide pin after the guide pin has moved along the track from the first position to a second position allowing retraction of the pull handle to cause rotation of the base.

FIG. 8C is a perspective view of the guide pin after the guide pin has moved along the track from the second position to a third position causing the locking pin to engage with the clutch to prevent rotation of the base as the pull handle is then extended.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the controller from FIG. 1 with a bottom portion removed to expose one or more teeth on the pull handle and a gear.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the base with a top portion of the housing removed.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the controller from FIG. 1 .

FIG. 12 is a top view of the controller from FIG. 11 .

FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the controller from FIG. 11 .

FIG. 14 is a left side view of the controller from FIG. 11 .

FIG. 15 is a right side view of the controller from FIG. 11 .

FIG. 16 is a back side view of the controller from FIG. 11 .

FIG. 17 is a front side view of the controller from FIG. 11 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is directed to certain specific embodiments. The invention(s) disclosed herein, however, can be embodied in a multitude of different ways as defined and covered by the claims. In this description, reference is made to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated with like numerals throughout. The features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings of several embodiments that are intended to be within the scope of the development herein disclosed. These and other embodiments will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the embodiments having reference to the attached figures, the invention not being limited to any particular embodiment(s) herein disclosed.

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a controller 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, the controller 20 includes a housing 22 and a base 24 rotatable relative to the housing 22. In certain embodiments, the base 24 supports a plurality of platforms 32 (a)-(n) for spinning a plurality of action figures disposed thereon. In certain embodiments, the base 24 support the plurality of platforms 32 but only spins one of the platforms 32 (and its associated action figure) at a time. In certain embodiments, the base 24 supports two platforms 32. In certain embodiments and as is illustrated in FIG. 1 , the base 24 supports three platforms 32. In certain embodiments, the base 24 supports four or more platforms 32.

In certain embodiments, the controller 20 comprises a handgrip 26. In certain embodiments, the handgrip 26 is configured to be grasped by a user. In certain embodiments, the handgrip 26 comprises a trigger 28. In certain embodiments, the user places their palm against the handgrip 26 and then wraps their fingers around the trigger 28. In this way, the user can squeeze the handgrip 26 and trigger 28 between their palm and fingers to activate the trigger 28. In the illustrated embodiments, the trigger 28 is configured to at least partially retract inside the handgrip 26 when the user squeezes the trigger 28. In certain embodiments, movement of the trigger 28 causes the platform 32 (a) to rotate or spin about a generally vertical axis of the platform 32 (a) in certain embodiments. In certain embodiments, the vertical axis is coaxial with a center of the platform.

In certain embodiments, the user activates the handgrip 26 to rotate at least one platform 32 of the plurality of platforms 32 (a)-(n). In certain embodiments, activation of the handgrip 26 rotates the platform 32 (a) illustrated in the position shown in FIG. 1 . In certain embodiments, the position is a specific circumferential location relative to the housing 22. In certain embodiments, the position is a distal most location relative to the housing 22. Of course, activation of the handgrip 26 can instead of or in addition to rotating platform 32 (a), rotate one or both platforms 32 (b), 32 (c) in certain embodiments.

In certain embodiments, activation of the trigger 28 rotates the platform 32 which is in a specific circumferential location relative to the housing 22. For example, in certain embodiments, the trigger 28 rotates the platform 32 about a vertical axis of the platform 32 when the platform 32 is at a distal most location relative to the housing 22. For example, in FIG. 1 , the platform 32 (a) is at the distal most location. Accordingly, in the exemplary embodiment, the platform 32 (a) rotates about its axis when the trigger 28 is activated. As will be explained below, in certain embodiments, the circumferential position of the platform 32 (a) can be changed between two or more different circumferential locations relative to the housing 22. For example, in certain embodiments and as is illustrated in FIG. 1 , the controller 20 provides three different circumferential locations for locating each platform 32 relative to the housing 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the three different circumferential locations are at 60 degrees, 180 degrees, and 300 degrees relative to an axis of rotation for the base 24. Accordingly, if the platform 32 (c) is moved to the distal most location (e.g., 180 degrees) of the housing 22, activation of the trigger 28 can cause the platform 32 (c), not platform 32 (a), to spin about a vertical axis of the platform 32 (c). In certain embodiments, one or more of the three different circumferential locations are located at different circumferential locations than what is illustrated in FIG. 1 .

Of course, in certain embodiments, activation of the trigger 28 need not rotate the platform 32 (a) when the platform 32 (a) is in the distal most location. For example, in certain embodiments, activation of the trigger 28 can cause the platform 32 (c) to spin about a vertical axis of the platform 32 (c) even though the platform 32 (c) is not in the distal most location. Accordingly, while in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1 , activation of the trigger 28 spins the platform 32 (a), in other embodiments, activation of the trigger 28 can cause any one or more of the platforms 32 (a)-(n) to spin about their vertical axis, respectively.

In certain embodiments, the controller 20 comprises a pull handle 30. In certain embodiments, the pull handle 30 is configured to be grasped by a hand of a user. In certain embodiments, the user places their palm against the pull handle 30 and then wraps their fingers around a side of the pull handle 30. In this way, the user can grip the pull handle 30 between their palm and fingers to activate the pull handle 30.

In the illustrated embodiments, the pull handle 30 is configured for the user to move the pull handle 30 between an extended or backward position and a retracted or forward position. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 , the pull handle 30 is in the retracted or forward position. Movement of the pull handle 30 can cause the base 24 to rotate or spin about a vertical axis of the base 24 in certain embodiments. In certain embodiments, the pull handle 30 preloads the base 24, but does not rotate the base 24 relative to the housing 22, when the user moves the pull handle 30 from the retracted position to the extended position. Continuing with this example, in certain embodiments, the pull handle 30 rotates the base 24 relative to the housing 22 when the user moves the pull handle 30 from the extended position to the retracted position. In certain other embodiments, the pull handle 30 preloads the base 24, but does not rotate the base 24 relative to the housing 22, when the user moves the pull handle 30 from the extended position to the retracted position. Continuing with this example, in certain embodiments, the pull handle 30 rotates the base 24 relative to the housing 22 when the user moves the pull handle 30 from the retracted position to the extended position.

In certain embodiments, the user activates the pull handle 30 to rotate the base 24 relative to the housing 22. In certain embodiments, activation of the pull handle 30 rotates the base 24 so that the specific circumferential locations of the plurality of platforms 32 (a)-(n) relative to the housing 22 are changed. For example, in certain embodiments, activation of the pull handle 30 rotates the plurality of platform 32 about a vertical axis of the base 24. For example, in FIG. 1 , the platform 32 (a) is at the distal most location. Accordingly, in the exemplary embodiment, the plurality of platforms 32 (a)-(n) (including the platform 32 (a)) rotate with the base 24 about a vertical axis of the base 24 when the pull handle 30 is activated. In this way, the circumferential position of the plurality of platforms 32 (a)-(n) can be changed between two or more different circumferential locations relative to the housing 22.

In certain embodiments, the controller 20 provides three different circumferential locations for locating each platform 32. In the illustrated embodiment, the three different circumferential locations are at 60 degrees, 180 degrees, and 300 degrees relative to an axis of rotation for the base 24. Accordingly, assuming initial positions of the plurality of platforms 32 (a)-(n) are as illustrated in FIG. 1 and the base 24 rotates in a counter clockwise direction, activation of the pull handle 30 moves the plurality of platforms 32 (a)-(n) so that, for example, the platform 32 (a) moves to the position of platform 32 (c) (e.g., 60 degrees). Similarly, the platform 32 (b) moves to the position of platform 32 (a) (e.g., 180 degrees) and the platform 32 (c) moves to the position of platform 32 (b) (e.g., 300 degrees).

Of course, in certain embodiments, the pull handle 30 need not rotate the base 24 in a counter clockwise direction. For example, in certain embodiments, activation of the pull handle 30 can cause the base 24 to rotate in a clockwise direction about an axis of the base 24. In certain embodiments, the axis of rotation for the base 24 is coaxial with axle 38 (FIG. 4 ). Accordingly, while in the illustrated embodiment activation of the pull handle 30 rotates the base 24 in a counter clockwise direction, in other embodiments, activation of the pull handle 30 can cause the base 24 to rotate in a clockwise direction.

FIGS. 2-4 illustrate the controller 20 from FIG. 1 . FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the controller 20 from FIG. 1 and shows a slidable connector 34 extending though a housing 22 of the controller 20 for coupling to a playing surface. FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the controller 20 from FIG. 1 and shows a pull handle 30 for selectively rotating the base 24 relative to the housing 22. FIG. 4 is a cross-section view taken along lines 4-4 in FIG. 3 .

In certain embodiments, the controller 20 comprises a slidable connector 34. In certain embodiments, the slidable connector 34 is configured to couple to a playing surface. For example, in certain embodiments, the slidable connector 34 is configured to engage a connector on the playing surface. In this way, the user can use the connector on the playing surface to stabilize the controller 20.

In certain embodiments, the controller 20 comprises a leg 36. In certain embodiments, the leg 36 is configured to support the controller 20 when the slidable connector 34 is coupled to the playing surface. In certain embodiments, a length of the leg 36 is selected so that the housing 22 of the controller 20 is generally horizontal when the leg 36 and the slidable connector 34 are supporting the controller 20 relative to the playing surface.

In certain embodiments, the pull handle 30 comprises one or more teeth 40 disposed so as to engage with a gear 42 (FIG. 4 ). In certain embodiments, the gear 42 is configured to rotate coaxially with the axle 38. In certain embodiments, activation of the pull handle 30 rotates the gear 42 to cause the base 24 to rotate about the axle 38. As explained above, in certain embodiments, activation of the pull handle 30 in a first direction rotates the gear 42 to cause the base 24 to rotate while activation of the pull handle 30 in a second direction opposite the first direction rotates the gear 42 but does not cause the base 24 to rotate.

In certain embodiments, the controller 20 comprise a clutch 44. In certain embodiments, the clutch 44 is configured to allow the one or more teeth 40 to drive rotation of the base 24 in only one direction. For example, in certain embodiments, the clutch 44 allows the one or more teeth 40 to rotate the base 24 when the pull handle 30 is moved from the extended position to the retracted position while preventing the one or more teeth 40 to rotate the base 24 when the pull handle 30 is moved from the retracted position to the extended position. Of course, in other embodiments, the clutch 44 could be configured to allow the one or more teeth 40 to rotate the base 24 when the pull handle 30 is moved from the retracted position to the extended position while preventing the one or more teeth 40 to rotate the base 24 when the pull handle 30 is moved from the extended position to the retracted position.

In certain embodiments, the controller 20 comprises a spring 46. In certain embodiments, the spring 46 supports the gear 42 relative to the housing 22. For example, in certain embodiments, the spring 46 bias the gear 42 in a direction towards the clutch 44.

In certain embodiments, the controller 20 comprises a spring 60. In certain embodiments, the spring 60 biases the pull handle 30 relative to the housing 22 and towards the retracted position.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the controller 20 from FIG. 1 with a top of the housing 22(a) removed to show a slide 70 coupled by the trigger 28 of the handgrip 26 for the user to activate one of the plurality of platforms 32 (a)-(n) on the base 24. In certain embodiments, the activated platform of the plurality of platforms 32 (a)-(n) spins or rotates about a vertical axis of the activated platform 32.

In certain embodiments, the trigger 28 comprises a pin 74. In certain embodiments, the pin 74 is arranged perpendicular relative to a direction of travel for the slide 70. In certain embodiments, the pin 74 is configured to engage a loop 72 on the slide 70 so as to transfer motion of the trigger 28 to the slide 70. In certain embodiments, the loop 72 is disposed on and extends in an upward direction from a top surface of the slide 70.

In certain embodiments, the handgrip 26 comprises an interlock 88. In certain embodiments, the interlock 88 is configured to move between an engage position and a disengaged position relative to the handgrip 26. For example, in certain embodiments, the interlock 88 prevents the user from moving the pull handle 30 while the trigger 28 is pulled by engaging the interlock 88 with the pull handle 30 while still allowing the trigger 28 to move the slide 70. In certain embodiments, when the trigger 28 is pulled, the interlock 88 engages with a hole 89 in the pull handle 30. In certain embodiments, the interlock 88 engages with the hole 89 when the pull handle 30 is in the retracted position.

In certain embodiments, the handgrip 26 comprises a first portion 26A and a second portion 26B. In certain embodiments, the trigger 28 comprises a first portion 28A and a second portion 28B. In certain embodiments, the first portion 28A of the trigger 28 is configured to engage with the slide 70 while the second portion 28B of the trigger 28 is configured to selectively engage the hole 89 in the pull handle 30 via the interlock 88. In other embodiments, the second portion 28B of the trigger 28 is configured to engage with the slide 70 while the first portion 28A of the trigger 28 is configured to selectively engage the hole 89 in the pull handle 30 via the interlock 88.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the controller 20 from FIG. 1 with the base 24 removed to show a plurality of spokes 78. In certain embodiments, the plurality of spokes 78 are disposed within the base 24 for selectively coupling one of the plurality of platforms 32 (a)-(n) to the slide 70. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 20 comprises three spokes 78. In other embodiments, the controller 20 comprises two spokes 78. In other embodiments, the controller 20 comprises four or more spokes 78. Of course the disclosure is not so limited in that the controller 20 can comprise any number of spokes 78 and still fall within the scope of the disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the three spokes 78 are spaced 120 degrees apart about a circumference of the base 24. Of course the disclosure is not so limited in that the spokes 78 can be spaced apart any distance about the circumference and still fall within the scope of the disclosure.

In certain embodiments, the slide 70 comprises a tab 76 (FIG. 4 ). In certain embodiments, the tab 76 is configured to engage with one of the plurality of spokes 78. In certain embodiments, the tab 76 is configured to engage with whichever of the plurality of spokes 78 is currently disposed in a specific circumferential location. In the illustrated embodiment, the tab 76 is configured to engage with a spoke disposed in a specific circumferential location. In certain embodiments, the specific location is a distal most location relative to the housing 22.

In certain embodiments, the spoke 78 comprises a hook 80. In certain embodiments, the hook 80 has a “C” shape. In certain embodiments, the hook 80 is configured to engage with the tab 76 of the slide 70. When engaged, linear movement of the slide 70 is transferred to the spoke 78.

In certain embodiments, each spoke 78 comprises one or more teeth 82. In certain embodiments, each platform of the one or more platforms 32 is engaged to a gear 84. Rotation of the gear 84 causes rotation of the platform 32 about a generally vertical and central axis of the platform 32. In certain embodiments, the one or more teeth 82 of each spoke 78 is engaged with the gear 84 of one of the platforms 32. In this way, the one or more teeth 82 transfer the linear motion of the spoke 78 to rotational motion of the respective platform 32 causing the platform 32 to rotate or spin about its axis.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the controller 20 from FIG. 1 showing sub components within a top portion 22A of the housing 22 and a bottom portion 22B of the housing 22. In certain embodiments, the controller 20 comprises a locking arm 48 and a locking pin 50. In certain embodiments, the locking pin 50 selectively engages with the clutch 44 to prevent the housing 22 from rotating when the user moves the pull handle 30 from the retracted position to the extended position. In certain embodiments, the slide 70 comprises an opening 87 configured to receive the clutch 44.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a guide pin 54 at a first position on a track 56 in the pull handle 30. In certain embodiments, the guide pin 54 is supported by a guide arm 52. In certain embodiments, the guide arm 52 is pivotally coupled to the locking arm 48.

In certain embodiments, linear movement of the pull handle 30 causes a spring arm 51 (FIG. 7 ) that is coupled to the locking pin 50 and supported by a guide channel 53 (FIG. 7 ) to transition the locking pin 50 from being engaged to being disengaged from the base 24 which is coupled to the clutch 44 and then back to being engaged as the guide pin 54 follows a track 56. In certain embodiments, the track 56 is disposed in the pull handle 30 and is configured to receive the guide pin 54.

In certain embodiments, the track 56 is closed. In certain embodiments, the track 56 is in the shape of a parallelogram. In certain embodiments, the track 56 has a general shape of a rhomboid. In certain embodiments, the track 56 comprises one or more ramps/lips 58 disposed on a bottom surface of the track 56. In certain embodiments, the one or more ramps/lips 58 are configured to bias the guide pin 54 so that the guide pin 54 follows the track 56 in one direction (i.e., clockwise or counter clockwise). In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 8A-8C, the guide pin 54 follows the track 56 in a clockwise direction. In other embodiments, the guide pin 54 follows the track 56 in a counter clockwise direction.

Depending on the position of the guide pin 54 along the track 56, the locking pin 50 may or may not be engaged with the base 24. For example, in certain embodiments, when the guide pin 54 is in the leg of the channel 56 as illustrated in FIG. 8B, the locking pin 50 is not engaged with the base 24. In contrast, when the guide pin 54 is in the leg of the channel 56 as illustrated in FIG. 8C, the locking pin 50 is engaged with the base 24.

In certain embodiments, when the locking pin 50 is disengaged, linear motion of the one or more teeth 40 of the pull handle 30 drives counter clockwise rotation of the base 24. In certain embodiments, when the locking pin 50 is engaged, linear motion of the one or more teeth 40 of the pull handle 30 does not drive rotation of the base 24. In certain embodiments, while the linear motion of the one or more teeth 40 of the pull handle 30 in either direction drives the gear 42, the gear 42 disengages from the clutch 44 when the locking pin 50 is engaged with the base 24 that is coupled to the clutch 44. In this way, the gear 42 is able to slide by the clutch 44 without transferring rotational motion to the clutch 44.

In the illustrated embodiment, a top surface of the gear 42 includes one or more ramps 45 configured to engage one or more complementary ramps 43 in a bottom surface of the clutch 44 when the gear 42 is driven in a first direction (e.g., counter clockwise) and disengage from the one or more complementary ramps 43 when the gear 42 is driven in a second direction (e.g., clockwise). In other embodiments, the one or more ramps 45 are configured to engage the one or more complementary ramps 43 when the gear 42 is driven in a first direction (e.g., clockwise) and disengage from the one or more complementary ramps 43 when the gear 42 is driven in a second direction (e.g., counter clockwise). When the gear 42 is disengaged from the clutch 44, rotation of the gear 42 does not transfer to the base 24.

FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the guide pin 54 after the guide pin 54 has moved along the track 56 from the first position to a second position allowing retraction of the pull handle 30 to cause rotation of the base 24. For example, in certain embodiments as is illustrated in FIG. 8B, the linear motion of the one or more teeth 40 of the pull handle 30 drives rotation of the base 24.

FIG. 8C is a perspective view of the guide pin 54 after the guide pin 54 has moved along the track 56 from the second position to a third position including passing over a ramp/lip 58 causing the locking pin 50 to engage with the base 24 to prevent rotation of the base 24 as the pull handle 30 is moving to the extended position. For example, in certain embodiments as is illustrated in FIG. 8C, the linear motion of the one or more teeth 40 of the pull handle 30 rotates the gear 42 but does not drive rotation of the base 24.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the controller from FIG. 1 with a bottom portion 22B removed to expose the one or more teeth 40 on the pull handle 30 and the gear 42. FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the base 24 with the top portion 22A of the housing 22 removed. In certain embodiments, the base 24 comprises a bottom portion 24B and a top portion 24A. In certain embodiments, the controller 20 comprises a ring 92 disposed between the bottom portion 24B of the base 24 and the housing 22.

In certain embodiments, the controller 20 comprises a spring 86 disposed between each of the platforms 32 and the bottom portion 24B of the base 24. In certain embodiments, the spring 86 biases rotation of the platform 32 in a first direction. For example, in certain embodiments, the user drives rotation of the platform 32 in a first rotational direction by activating the trigger 28 with the spring 86 then causing the platform 32 to rotate in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction when the user releases the trigger 28. In this way, the controller 20 can rotate the platform 32 in a back and forth motion. In certain embodiments, the top portion 24A of the base 24 comprises an opening 90 configured to receive a cap 94.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the controller 20 from FIG. 1 . FIG. 12 is a top view of the controller 20 from FIG. 11 . FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the controller 20 from FIG. 11 . FIG. 14 is a left side view of the controller 20 from FIG. 11 . FIG. 15 is a right side view of the controller 20 from FIG. 11 . FIG. 16 is a back side view of the controller 20 from FIG. 11 . FIG. 17 is a front side view of the controller 20 from FIG. 11 .

While the above detailed description has shown, described, and pointed out novel features of the development as applied to various embodiments, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form and details of the devices illustrated may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the development. As will be recognized, the present development may be embodied within a form that does not provide all of the features and benefits set forth herein, as some features may be used or practiced separately from others. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

The foregoing description details certain embodiments of the systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein. It will be appreciated, however, that no matter how detailed the foregoing appears in text, the systems, devices, and methods may be practiced in many ways. As is also stated above, it should be noted that the use of particular terminology when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being re-defined herein to be restricted to including any specific characteristics of the features or aspects of the technology with which that terminology is associated.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the described technology. Such modifications and changes are intended to fall within the scope of the embodiments. It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that parts included in one embodiment are interchangeable with other embodiments; one or more parts from a depicted embodiment may be included with other depicted embodiments in any combination. For example, any of the various components described herein and/or depicted in the Figures may be combined, interchanged or excluded from other embodiments.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art may translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those having skill within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

The term “comprising” as used herein is synonymous with “including,” “containing,” or “characterized by,” and is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

The above description discloses several methods of manufacture and materials of the present development. This development is susceptible to modifications in the methods and materials, as well as alterations in the fabrication methods and equipment. Such modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of this disclosure or practice of the development disclosed herein. Consequently, it is not intended that this development be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but that it cover all modifications and alternatives coming within the true scope and spirit of the development as embodied in the attached claims.

While the above detailed description has shown, described, and pointed out novel features of the improvements as applied to various embodiments, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form and details of the device or process illustrated may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. As will be recognized, the present invention may be embodied within a form that does not provide all of the features and benefits set forth herein, as some features may be used or practiced separately from others. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A toy controller comprising: a housing; a base supported by the housing and being configured to rotate relative to the housing between at least a first position and a second position; a plurality of platforms supported by the base, each platform being configured to spin relative to the base; a pull handle movable relative to the housing and configured to control rotation of the base between at least the first position and the second position; and a trigger supported by the housing and configured to activate rotation of at least one platform of the plurality of platforms.
 2. The toy controller of claim 1, further comprising a handgrip coupled to the base and supporting the trigger.
 3. The toy controller of claim 1, further comprising a connector coupled to the base and configured to engage with a playing surface.
 4. The toy controller of claim 1, wherein the pull handle comprises one or more teeth, the one or more teeth being configured to drive rotation of the base.
 5. The toy controller of claim 1, wherein the plurality of platforms comprises two platforms.
 6. The toy controller of claim 1, wherein the plurality of platforms comprises three platforms.
 7. The toy controller of claim 1, wherein the trigger is configured to activate rotation of the at least one platform when the at least one platform is in a specific circumferential location relative to the housing.
 8. The toy controller of claim 7, wherein the trigger is configured to individually activate rotation of each platform of the plurality of platforms when each platform is in the specific circumferential location relative to the housing.
 9. The toy controller of claim 1, further comprising a clutch configured to only allow rotation of the base in one direction relative to the housing.
 10. The toy controller of claim 1, further comprising a spring arm coupled to a locking pin for selectively engaging the locking pin with the base.
 11. The toy controller of claim 1, further comprising a guide pin and a track, wherein the track comprises one or more ramps/lips configured to bias the guide pin so that the guide pin follows the track in only one direction.
 12. A toy controller comprising: a housing; and a base configured to rotate relative to the housing and supporting a plurality of platforms, each platform of the plurality if platforms being configured to spin relative to the base.
 13. The toy controller of claim 12, further comprising a pull handle movable relative to the housing and configured to control rotation of the base.
 14. The toy controller of claim 12, further comprising a trigger supported by the housing and configured to activate rotation of at least one platform of the plurality of platforms relative to the base.
 15. The toy controller of claim 12, wherein each platform of the plurality if platforms is configured to spin relative to the base only when each platform is in a specific circumferential location relative to the housing.
 16. The toy controller of claim 12, wherein the plurality of platforms comprises three platforms.
 17. The toy controller of claim 12, further comprising a clutch configured to only allow rotation of the base in one direction relative to the housing.
 18. The toy controller of claim 12, further comprising a spring arm coupled to a locking pin for selectively engaging the locking pin with the base.
 19. The toy controller of claim 12, further comprising a guide pin and a track, wherein the track comprises one or more ramps/lips configured to bias the guide pin so that the guide pin follows the track in only one direction.
 20. A method for operating a toy controller to selectively position and rotate each platform of a plurality of platforms, the method comprising: activating a trigger supported by a housing to spin a first platform of the plurality of platforms relative to a base, the first platform being disposed in a specific circumferential location relative to the housing; activating a pull handle to rotate the base relative to the housing so that a second platform of the plurality of platforms is moved to the specific circumferential location; and activating the trigger to spin the second platform of the plurality of platforms relative to the base. 